Your Religion News: Feb. 1, 2020

NORTHFIELD — The Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main St., will welcome the Rev. Robert L. Livingston as guest preacher on Sunday, Feb. 2. Morning worship will begin at 10 a.m. Following the service, all are invited to the lounge to enjoy homemade soups and bread for “Souper Bowl Sunday,” sponsored by the TCC Mission Ministry. Donations of canned soup and monetary contributions will be gratefully accepted to benefit the Northfield Food Pantry.

BERNARDSTON — Sunday, Feb. 2, Dan Tinen will speak on “What Is Spiritual Growth?” at the Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. For Unitarian Universalists, spirituality is embodied in creating a community that accepts and encourages people. How can we embody an acceptance of each other, and of life itself? Music provided by Lynne Walker. Coffee hour is at 11 a.m., and the service is at 11:30 a.m. New abstract art exhibit by featured artist Sandra Haynes.

GREENFIELD — Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener will share basic ideas from Jewish mysticism and from schools of mindfulness practice at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 10:30 a.m. Her sermon is “Changing Our Minds: How We Can Reflect and Grow.” Keith Rollinson and the All Souls Choir will provide music. A fellowship potluck meal will follow the service. The church is on the corner of Main and Hope streets.

NORTHFIELD — The fifth UU principle is “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Lay reader Dan Tinen will try to narrow the chasm of democracy in the service at First Parish of Northfield Unitarian, this coming Sunday at 10 a.m.

During religious education, the middle school youth will take up a Call for Courage conversation with Rev. Melissa Carvill-Ziemer. Elementary-aged youth will enjoy an environmentally-focused lesson with Stephanie Ciccarello. The youngest ones will be in the nursery with Jenny Wooster. All are welcome at the historic First Parish sanctuary on the corner of Parker Avenue and Main Street in Northfield.

LEVERETT — The Leverett Congregational Church will host a potluck dinner (bring a dish to share) followed by a variety of fun family games. To be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. at the Leverett Town Hall, 9 Montague Road. The event is free and open to the public.

ASHFIELD — On Saturday, Feb. 8, the First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield is inviting church members and friends to come together for their annual Local Foods Dinner. The dinner will begin at 6 p.m.

The Mission and Social Justice Committee is planning this event. Lori Wyman, member of the committee, said, “Our congregation has told us that they want to promote local agriculture, and the Local Foods Dinner is one way to do this. Also, it is fun to share food made with 100 percent locally grown ingredients. Just make something with ingredients that have been grown and processed locally. There are lots of choices at the co-ops, winter farmers markets, and grocery stores.” The event is free. The church is at 429 Main St.

DEERFIELD — On Sunday, Feb. 9, at 3 p.m., Yu-Mei Wei, a native Taiwanese pianist, will perform on “The Brick Church” Music Series at The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St. A reception will follow in the Caswell Library at Deerfield Academy. A fundraiser for the church, the suggested donation is $10 to $20 at the door. Wei is a solo artist and chamber musician, currently a member of the Elm Street String Ensemble, and is on the music faculty at Deerfield Academy. For more information: Jean Pitman Turner, 413-774-2657.

PETERSHAM — On Sunday, Feb. 9, at 10:30 a.m., the First Congregational Parish Unitarian Petersham will present “Suppressed: The Fight to Vote,” the new documentary by Robert Greenwald, which weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia that paints a picture of voter suppression during the 2018 mid-term election.

Following the showing, refreshments will be served and a discussion will follow hosted by a parish committee member, Mimi Helen Jones. The parish will loan the DVD to any group that would like to show it. For further information or to reserve the DVD, contact https://petershamunitarian.org/visit-or-contact-us/

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Valley Life Assembly of God (VLAG) will be hosting Fan the Flame Revival Services at Frontier Regional School, 113 North Main St. There will be three services: Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. VLAG looks forward to guest speakers Rev. Tim Trafford and his wife, Kathy, of Restoration Ministries. Services will include a time of worship, a message from Pastor Trafford, and extended time of seeking the Lord at the altar in prayer and for healing. All are invited and encouraged to join the congregation for these special services. God is still speaking; what might He say to you? God is still healing, are you in need?

The Traffords have given 35 years to ministering the gospel, appearing as host and regular guests on (TBN) Trinity Broadcasting Network, ministering both nationally and internationally. Their message of hope and healing has changed lives for three decades.

GREENFIELD — The Interfaith Council of Franklin County presents “Loving Our Neighbors: Spiritual Practices,” Wednesday, Feb. 20, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 399 Main St. How does your spiritual practice assist you in loving your human and non-human neighbors? The program starts with a potluck meal at 5:30 p.m. The interactive program begins at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

GREENFIELD — Living Waters Assembly of God will host a special performance, “My Hiding Place,” by City on a Hill Arts and Stagelife Theater, on Sunday, March 22 at 10 a.m. The Church is at 450 Davis St. The performance portrays recollections from Corrie ten Boom, and is billed as a story of love and forgiveness at any cost. Free admission; donations accepted. For more information: 413-773-9506 or email assemblyofGod01301@yahoo.com.